Chronic Burping after Ileostomy Surgery: Any Advice?

Question to all who have ileostomies: My surgery was a loop ileostomy. My doc was sure he could reverse it 6 weeks later but too much damage from the radiation prevented the reversal.

I have chronic burping every time I eat. I could probably win any burping contest! I feel I must do this to alleviate all the pressure and always feel better right away.

I'm always home mainly due to COVID but sometimes have to burp in public and people judge, but I'm to the point where I just laugh it off.

It doesn't last forever but always happens after eating any meal or having coffee, for instance.

It's due to the surgery, has anybody else experienced this?

Thanks for your replies, I won't be taking any big pharma meds for this. I'm nearly 100% organic, don't drink, don't smoke, trying to be as healthy as possible.

Yo Bagster,

The causes of excessive burping after a meal are pretty well understood, and range from eating too fast to cancer of the esophagus or stomach. Each possible cause is pretty easy to rule out, so if I were you I'd contact a GI Doc and have them at least rule out the really bad stuff and then take it from there. You can Google "excessive burping after eating" and see the lists for yourself.

Regards,

Bob

Hi Bagit, I seem to have more burping but not as excessive as gas. Have you tried Rid-x? It is over the counter. There are several sites on excessive burping. They say what foods cause problems and other causes. Best wishes and stay safe.

Hi, Donavon.

My first thought about your gas issue was "gallbladder".

I'm also an ileostomate, but have no excessive gas problems.

You sound certain that this situation is related solely to the ileostomy surgery, but you also mentioned having had radiation treatment. The human body is an interesting thing: your onset of gas could be coincidental in its timing, or another procedure may have triggered the activity.

I agree with Bob: a visit to your GI doctor is in order to rule out anything serious. I hope all goes well! :)

Lily17

Lily, the radiation was in 2015 for 6 weeks. I have had a surgeon look at me 7 times and just had a head to pelvis CT scan done. My most recent sigmoid was 2 months ago and the new doc (last one moved to NY).

Looked around the anastomosis and basically came up with nothing. He did more harm than good as far as I know. I don't have much use of my transverse, ascending and descending colon but 5 of gas and waste make it out.

I feel like my small intestine is not in good condition, maybe has strictures and polyps or shrinking from chemo & radiation (shrinking of the lumen) or all of the above. I am not able to eat any veggies or fiber unless I want a blockage. The docs have offered to change to colostomy but won't say it's a fix. So now I have to go in and get a CT w contrast next time I experience a blockage.

Hi, Donavon.

When was the last time your upper GI tract (including stomach) was scoped? If you do have strictures in the small intestine, or other upper GI tract issue(s), self-diagnosis will only get you so far without the help of a medical professional. You obviously know this, as you are trying to get answers through them.

I've been on the 'Net and have seen "this, that and the other thing" re: excessive gas/belching from the stomach. You may have already seen this from Cedars-Sinai:

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/g/gas-in-the-digestive-tract.html

Johns Hopkins has an investigative GI group of physicians who tackle "mystery" GI issues, also.

You sound quite frustrated with the lack of solid diagnoses and/or science-based resolutions for your issue. If I were experiencing your excessive gas/belching, I would look for another GI group, with list of concerns, questions in hand. I certainly would not press forward with any medical procedure proffered by a medical specialist along with a shrug of their shoulders. ("Maybe it will work? *shrug* We're not certain...")

All things considered, the CT with contrast may be a reasonable next step with another blockage. Until then, perhaps starting a detailed food diary could be helpful: without being able to eat vegetables and fiber, perhaps too many carbs, lactose intolerance, etc. could be a contributing factor in the excessive gas production.

I'm no medical professional - nor do I play one on TV - but I will say this: Donavon, you're concerned enough about this situation to continue looking for answers. Don't stop until you're satisfied! Continue to be your own advocate and research what you can, talk to everyone who may have an insight. Someone has an answer and/or solution for you...it's just a matter of figuring it out who it is.

Please keep us updated, Donavon.

Lily17

   

I'm fine to all the naysayers. Totally normal for an irradiated permanent loop ileostomy.

Donovan, how lucky you are to be able to burp.

My gas just sits in my stomach and makes me miserable.

I recently decided to follow my doctor's suggestions and eat 5-7 small meals a day. This was hard for me because I feel like I'm constantly eating and I'm not a big eater.

I also stopped trying to digest foods that I don't digest well anymore.

Why is it that the foods you used to enjoy the most now bother you the most? For me, sugar, raw onions, fried food sometimes, too much spice, and please don't dare try to digest too many different foods together like at a buffet.

And you know what? The problems have all but completely gone.

If I do get occasional gas, I go old school! A 1/2 tsp baking soda in a little bit of water or some Pepto Bismol does the trick for me.

Jo